Guitar Certificate

NEW DATE

Guitar Certificate will take place on Sunday, May 31, 2026 NEW DATE

Because of our adjudicators’ conflict, we have moved the certificate to the Sunday AFTER Memorial Day Weekend, Sunday, May 31, 2026.

Performance slots fill up very quickly; we have been full for the last couple of years! If you would like to make sure you get a slot to perform, you should sign up now. However, we cannot issue any refunds if you are not able to make it to the adjudications.

The BCGS Guitar Certificate program is designed to cultivate and promote classical guitar education throughout the state of Maryland and neighboring states. Students and performers of all ages and levels of ability can participate. Participants will be evaluated on a set of graded requirements, ranging from levels 1-15. Participants can also choose to audition for jury comments only, i.e., not to audition for a specific certificate level. Upon successful completion, students will receive written feedback from professional educators, as well as a certificate for their participation.

Auditions are LIVE, but those who prefer to audition by video can do so. Deadline to submit the video is Wednesday, May 27, 2026.

Please review: Guidelines for Performers / Letter to Teachers / Performance Assessment Rubric

If you are a parent registering more than one child: All performers need to be members individually. That means that you need to get a membership for each performer.

Performance Requirements:

-Two prepared pieces. Click the “Repertoire List” link for a list of pieces and their corresponding levels. These pieces are suggestions only; you are welcome to perform any pieces you like, but you need to contact us beforehand to confirm the level at which your pieces will fall.

-Scales, here is a list of scales.

Video Instructions:

If you are submitting a video rather than performing live, the video must be uninterrupted, with no stopping for the whole performance, and with a full view of both hands at all times. Don’t worry if you make a mistake; your video does not need to be perfect!

The performer should state their full name and the level at which they are testing at the beginning of the tape, and state the names of the pieces and the names of the scales.

We will choose the scales you need to perform. Please make sure you perform the scales at the correct metronome marking.

When you upload the video to YouTube, name the file with the name of the student and the level.

A simple phone video is fine.

Examination Levels:

Levels 1-15 or jury comments only.

Performance Assessment Rubric:

Here is a Performance Assessment Rubric to help you or your students prepare for the performance. Please review it with your teacher.

Registration:

Registration fee is $35 and is non-refundable. In addition, each performer is required to be a BCGS member to be evaluated by our expert jury. We offer different levels of membership. We will be using an online registration form again for the 2026 Guitar Certificate.

Free Parking:

Parking at UMBC couldn’t be easier; it is right across from the entrance to the Center for the Arts, in lot 8. Just a few steps away. Enter the Arts and Humanities Building (where Linehan Concert Hall is) and go downstairs and turn right. The stairs are right in front of you. You will be met by a BCGS person who will guide you.

Anything else?

Where can I obtain the music for my level?

We have selected music from the standard repertory and you should be able to find the required scores wherever you regularly purchase music. In many cases, the required music is already in the public domain and may be found for free on IMSLP. We have also included a link to the music in the Repertoire List when the music is in public domain. Here is a link to the scales.

Do I already need to be really good at the guitar to participate in this?

The Certificate Program is open to guitarists of all ages and abilities! Please see the Repertoire List in order to determine which level is most appropriate for you.

Does my music need to be memorized?

For levels 1-10, it is perfectly acceptable to perform with the music, although you will receive higher overall marks for music that is memorized. For levels 11-15, music should be performed from memory.

How will I be evaluated?

You can access the evaluation rubric at this link.

Do I need to dress up?

There is no formal dress code, but it doesn’t hurt to look nice! Remember the way a musician presents themselves contributes a great deal to the overall performance.

What do I need to bring with me?

Please bring everything you will need in order to perform (instrument, footstool, music, etc.).

How long will the evaluations last?

Each evaluation should last approximately 10 minutes.

Is this a public performance?

No, this is not a public performance. Each student will present their prepared repertoire in front a small and private jury of guitarists selected by the BCGS.

What will I get for participating in the Certificate Program?

Everyone who successfully participates will receive an official certificate, signed by the President and the adjudicators. Additionally, you will receive comments from the jury members with suggestions for how to continue improving your understanding and ability as a guitarist.

Looking for a place for brunch / lunch after the auditions?

Check out these restaurants who are only a few minutes away from UMBC.

Catonsville Gourmet

829 Frederick Rd., Catonsville, MD. 21228 410-788-0005

Ships Cafe Restaurant and Crab House

828 Frederick Rd., Catonsville, MD 21228 (410) 744-1838

Umami Global Bistro

712 Fredrick Rd. Catonsville, MD 21228 (410) 788-7878